Napoli

Rafael Benitez demands Napoli ambition

By Shane Callaghan, Reporter | 24 April 2015

Napoli coach Rafael Benitez hints that his future at the club hinges on what kind of budget he is afforded by president Aurelio De Laurentiis.

Rafael Benitez has told Napoli to prove their ambition to him if they want to retain his services beyond this season.

Speculation is rife that the Spaniard, whose contract expires in June, will leave the Partenopei this summer, with Manchester City said to be keen on the former Liverpool manager.

Benitez denied being in contact with the Sky Blues recently, but he has now hinted that his long-term future hinges on how much president Aurelio De Laurentiis gives him to spend in the off-season.

"I am waiting. We will speak in a few days, I want to know what his plans are for the future and if he feels I am a part of those plans," he told reporters "Nothing has changed, so I am still waiting to see the business plan.

"Next week if he shows me the business plan and it is positive, then we can continue together. Otherwise we'll work and look at other possibilities.

"I have always said that what Aurelio has done here is fantastic. Now we have reached a point where it is difficult to take that extra step up, but it's important for the fans to see their team do well in Europe."

He led the Italians into the semi-finals of the Europa League with a 6-3 aggregate win over Wolfsburg on Thursday.

Sampdoria coach Sinisa Mihajlovic is reportedly in talks with De Laurentiis over succeeding Benitez.